LASIK LASER EYE SURGERY

Who can and who can't have the LASIK procedure?

LASIK is not for everyone. There are a few medical conditions that some people have that make them poor candidates for this procedure. These conditions are rare and can be detected during your pre-procedure examination with what is called a Corneal Topographical Map. If a condition exists, it is not wise to proceed and you will be told. Your refractive power, pupil size and pachymetry (thickness of cornea) also need to be evaluated.

A condition brought on by the aging process called presbyopia, cannot be treated. Presbyopia, simply defined, is the loss of flexibility of your eye lens, causing many people to need reading glasses as they get older.

A good number of people can have LASIK. After any adverse conditions have been ruled out, and it is determined that you are a good candidate for LASIK, there are few impediments to a successful procedure.

Following is a short quiz that will give you an idea if you are a possible candidate for LASIK. From here, professional advice from a qualified eye surgeon is required.

1. If I am myopic (nearsighted) and my correction is:
         a)  less than -6.00 diopters
         b)  greater than -6.00 diopters
    
   If I am hyperopic (farsighted) and my correction is:
         a)  +3.00 diopters or less
         b)  greater than +3.00 diopters
   
   
2. I have
          a)  Slight astigmatism
         b)  Heavy astigmatism
    
   
3. Typically, my body heals
         a)  Quickly
         b)  Slowly

Look at your answers. If you answered mostly a's you are probably a very good candidate. If you answered mostly b's then you may not be, but don't discount it until you have checked it out thoroughly. It may be that you can have LASIK, but with lower expectations as to the possibility of being able to see 20/20 after the procedure. It may be that a realistic visual expectation for you is 20/40. This may be completely acceptable to you and your lifestyle.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, you are NOT a good candidate to have LASIK:

• Pregnancy.
• Unstable refractive error (your vision correction has been changing over the past 12 months).
• Collagen/Vascular disease.
• Active ocular disease.
• Under 20 years of age.
• Pacemaker users.

I would like to have the LASIK procedure done. Can I walk in to a clinic and have it done today?

No. There are some pre-operative procedures that must be completed beforehand. If you are over 40 it is important that you understand that to date LASIK cannot correct the need to wear glasses for reading (presbyopia). The tests that must be completed before your LASIK procedure are:

• Eye History & Examination to determine refractive error, absence of eye disease and your expectations of the procedure.
• Corneal Topography (a topographical map of your eyeball)
• Pachymetry

It is essential that contact lenses are removed for the appropriate time before testing.

What is the best method for correcting vision errors?

There is no "best" method for correcting vision errors. The most appropriate correction for you depends on your eyes and your lifestyle. You should discuss you situation with your ophthalmologist or eye doctor to decide which correction will be most effective for you.